Honeybees at the COC

The Canadian Opera Company is delighted to be part of the ever-growing support of honeybees, Currently we host seven hives onthe roof of our opera house, the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts. Follow the honeybees' progress on Parlando, with visits and posts from beekeeper Fred Davis!

To Swarm or not to Swarm

A swarm of bees is a rare occurrence. When the bees lose their home, or feel they have to leave, they gather around their queen in a clump and await the return of scout bees who are looking for a new spot. An interesting fact is that the bees are at their most docile in a swarm as they have no home to protect.

The Cuddle Death

A technique used by bees when threatened by an intruding insect (a hornet, for example) into their hives is "balling." They surround the offender in a soft ball of bees, their body heat smothering the enemy effectively. This also occurs when when the hive wishes to rid itself of an old queen. It's referred to as "balling the queen" or the "cuddle death."